Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward who has become synonymous with Liverpool Football Club’s modern success, has officially confirmed he will depart Anfield when the 2025-26 Premier League season concludes. In a heartfelt statement released by the club, Salah and Liverpool announced the end of his remarkable nine-year tenure, leaving fans across the globe stunned yet grateful for the memories created.

The news broke on March 24, 2026, with Liverpool issuing a formal statement: “Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool Football Club at the end of the 2025-26 season.” Salah himself added, “This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of this season. Leaving is never easy.” The 33-year-old, often dubbed the Egyptian King, joined the Reds from Roma in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the most lethal attackers in world football.

Salah’s time at Liverpool has been nothing short of legendary. He arrived as a relatively unproven Premier League commodity but exploded onto the scene, forming a devastating front three alongside Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino under Jürgen Klopp. Together, they transformed Liverpool from contenders into champions. Salah’s first season yielded 44 goals across all competitions, including 32 in the league, earning him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award. His pace, clinical finishing, and work rate made him a nightmare for defenders, while his humility and connection with the Anfield faithful endeared him to supporters.

Key milestones define his legacy. In 2018-19, Salah played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph, scoring crucial goals en route to the final in Madrid where the Reds defeated Tottenham. The following year, 2019-20, he helped deliver the long-awaited Premier League title, ending a 30-year drought for the club. Salah consistently hit 20+ league goals per season, breaking records along the way. He became Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League era and etched his name alongside club icons like Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish.

Off the pitch, Salah’s impact extended far beyond football. His philanthropy in Egypt, including building schools and hospitals, and his role as a cultural ambassador have made him a global icon. At Anfield, he was more than a player—he was a symbol of Klopp’s “heavy metal football” and the club’s resurgence.

The decision to part ways comes after a contract signed in April 2025 that was set to run until 2027. However, recent reports highlighted tensions during the 2025-26 campaign. Salah experienced a dip in form, losing his starting spot at times under manager Arne Slot. A public spat emerged when Salah accused the club of “throwing him under the bus” after being benched, though the pair later reconciled with a handshake. Despite the reconciliation, sources indicated a summer departure was increasingly likely, with the club preparing for life without their star forward.

Liverpool’s statement emphasized mutual respect: “We have reached an agreement with Mohamed to end his remarkable nine-year stay at Anfield after this season, when he will become a free agent.” The club thanked Salah for his “unforgettable contributions” and wished him well in his next chapter. Salah, in turn, expressed deep affection for the city, the fans, and his teammates, noting that while leaving is difficult, it feels like the right time.

Speculation about his future has already intensified. Saudi Pro League clubs, including those who bid heavily for him in 2023, are expected to return with lucrative offers. Salah’s age—turning 34 in June 2026—makes a move to a league with less physical demand appealing, potentially securing a final big payday. European clubs may also circle, though his preference for a competitive environment remains unclear. One thing is certain: any suitor will be acquiring a proven winner with unmatched big-game experience.

For Liverpool, the exit marks the beginning of a major rebuild. The attacking trio that defined an era has long since dispersed, with Mané and Firmino already gone. Arne Slot’s side, currently defending their Premier League crown, must now accelerate plans to sign a new right-sided forward. Names like potential replacements have been linked, but filling Salah’s boots—his goals, assists, and leadership—will be no easy task. The club’s ownership, FSG, faces pressure to invest wisely in the summer window to maintain their status among Europe’s elite.

Fans have reacted with a mix of sadness and celebration. Social media exploded with tributes, highlighting Salah’s iconic moments: the knee-slide celebrations, the thunderous strikes against Manchester City and Arsenal, and his tearful interviews after title wins. “Thank you, King,” read countless posts, with hashtags like #SalahLegacy and #YNWA trending worldwide. Many supporters plan special displays at upcoming home games to honor the Egyptian during his remaining appearances.

Looking back, Salah’s statistics speak volumes. Over 300 appearances for Liverpool, he has netted more than 200 goals and provided over 100 assists. He won the Premier League Golden Boot three times and was instrumental in lifting six major trophies: the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup. His consistency was remarkable—even in “down” seasons by his standards, he delivered double-digit goals.

Yet, football moves on. Salah’s departure echoes other greats who left on their terms: Steven Gerrard stayed until the end, but others like Xabi Alonso sought new challenges. For Salah, the timing allows him to bow out while still at a high level, avoiding a potential decline in his final contract year.

As the season winds down, every match becomes a potential farewell. Will Salah sign off with another trophy? Can he add to his goal tally in these final weeks? Liverpool supporters will cherish every moment on the pitch, knowing the Egyptian King has given everything for the badge.

The football world awaits his next move. Whether in Saudi Arabia, back in Europe, or even a surprise destination, Salah’s story is far from over. He leaves Liverpool not just as a player, but as a legend whose impact will be felt for generations.

In his own words from the announcement, gratitude shines through: the city that embraced him, the fans who sang his name, and the club that believed in him. Liverpool, meanwhile, must channel the spirit Salah embodied—relentless drive and unity—as they enter a new era.

This is not goodbye forever. Anfield doors often reopen for heroes. For now, though, it’s time to celebrate one of the greatest forwards of his generation. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, has written his chapter in Liverpool’s history. And what a chapter it has been.